Tie Breaker

Cavs Coach Tyronn Lue: New Players ‘Exceeded My Expectations’

To say that the Cleveland Cavaliers coach was happy with the results of the trade would be an understatement. Cavs Coach Tyronn Lue said that the front office exceeded all his expectations as the Cavaliers won their second straight game since the trade.

Boston Globe

“I thought that we’ve got guys that can shoot, dribble and pass, and they can make plays,” he said, adding that they’ve become more athletic and they can now run with the best of the league.

The athleticism and length also allows the Cavs to play a lot of switching defense. He also didn’t think that the new players would adjust to the system this fast, which allows them to win as many games.

“The first two games I didn’t think they would not be decent,” he added. “But they exceeded my expectations.”

Slam Online

Lebron James was again his efficient self as he led the team with 37 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. The win over the Oklahoma Thunder also avenged an embarrassing loss at home on Jan. 20 when the trio of Russell Westbrook, Paul George and Carmelo Anthony shots the lights out at Quiken Loans Arena.

Newcomers Jordan Clarkson and Rodney Hood scored 14 points apiece, and point guard George Hill chipped in seven points and four assists. But it was the hustle of former Laker Larry Nance Jr. as he grabbed eight offensive rebounds to give the Cavaliers second chances. For good measure, the 6-10 high-flying forward also scored 13 points and swatted away three shots.

Joe Murphy/Getty Images

The Cavs coach said that the team are no longer the bottom feeders of the league, and are now back in the hunt. The most important thing, he said, is that the players are having fun on and off the court, and they support each other instead of complaining about playing time. “Tristan [Thompson] is happy for Larry Nance. That’s what we’ve got to have,” the coach added. “If you want to win you’ve got to sacrifice.”